The Psychological Support Center (CWP) at Opole University has been providing specialized assistance to students, doctoral candidates, and staff for 15 years. Last year alone, 125 individuals benefited from its services.
Katarzyna Pazdan from CWP highlighted the center's popularity among both students and university employees. "We offer psychological consultations, psychiatric counseling, support for students on the autism spectrum, and personal development workshops. The help provided is free, and users are guaranteed anonymity. In the last academic year, 125 individuals accessed the center's services, with 96 seeking psychological advice and 29 psychiatric consultations. The total number of consultations reached 566, indicating that follow-up sessions often occur after the initial meeting. Additionally, patients can receive prescriptions during psychiatric consultations," Pazdan explained.
Experts from CWP believe that psychological support is particularly beneficial for individuals who, upon starting university, are truly beginning their adult lives, complete with all its challenges. This transition can bring significant issues that must be resolved independently, such as finding housing or establishing relationships in a new environment.
On Thursday, the university will host lectures in honor of World Mental Health Day, where topics will include depression, the impact of physical activity on mental health, relaxation techniques, and aromatherapy. The event will also feature discussions on the negative effects of smartphones on users' lives and ways to enhance mental well-being through forest bathing, sauna sessions, and winter swimming.